'Womb-like device may help save premature babies'

At that point in their development, neither lambs nor human babies can survive outside the womb on their own.

In the United States, extreme prematurity is the primary cause of infant morbidity and mortality, as over one-third of all infant deaths are attributed to prematurity. "There are still huge challenges to refine the technique, to make good results more consistent and eventually to compare outcomes with current neonatal intensive care strategies". However, as it mimics the environment of a natural womb, researchers hope the technology could one day be used for human babies.

"We start with a tiny foetus that is pretty inert and spends most of its time sleeping".

The lambs showed normal breathing and swallowing behaviours, were able to open their eyes, grew wool, were active and showed normal growth and neurological function as well as organ development.

The team is reportedly in discussions with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and predicts babies could be incubated in the system within three years of the first clinical trial, The Guardian reports.

"Our system could prevent the severe morbidity suffered by extremely premature infants by potentially offering a medical technology that does not now exist", Flake said.

When premature babies are born at 23 weeks, their survival rate is just 15 per cent.

"Our system could prevent the severe morbidity suffered by extremely premature infants by potentially offering a medical technology that does not now exist", Dr.

The machine, described in the journal Nature Communications, consists of a plastic bag which is kept full of electrolyte solution made in a lab to simulate amniotic fluid.

But all "preemie" babies (as they're known), are at risk of health problems during their life.

Max Gomez reports, the process is still highly experimental but has already begun testing with animals. Getting there will involve improving the amniotic fluid substitute, adding foetal urine, nutrients and growth factors to the mix.

By connecting the umbilical cord to a gas exchange that oxygenates the blood, the device function is similar to how a fetus "breathes" in the womb via the umbilical cord.

-The lamb's heart circulates the blood, without the need for any other pump.

The researchers took eight lambs between 105 to 120 days gestation (the physiological equivalent of 23 to 24 weeks in humans) and placed them inside the artificial womb. Electronic monitors outside the device measure vital statistics. However, the researchers are always emphasizing the machine's incapacity to save babies younger than 23 weeks of age. He noted that the lamb being tested with the artificial womb had developed normally. The big question was: Would the lamb fetus survive?

Comments

Latest Posts

Air China resumes booking flights to North Korea
A spokesman for Mr Moon said moving the parts to the site "ignored public opinion and due process" and demanded it be suspended. Anti-THAAD protesters in South Korea have taken to singing "Chant of Love" at many of their rallies.

I'll Renegotiate It Or Terminate It — Trump On NAFTA
The announcement came hours after administration officials said the president was considering a draft executive order to pull out. Trump's comments on Twitter come one day after he told the leaders of the two countries that he would not end the trade pact.

Rupee strengthens against U.S. dollar for fourth session
The local currency , however, advanced further against the Japanese Yen to settle at 57.61 per 100 yens from 57.62 on Tuesday. At 9.18 a.m, the Sensex was trading down 25.78 points or 0.09% at 30,107.57 with 14 components falling.

Nurkic won't play for Blazers tonight
Durant hit the game's first shot, a confident pull-up 3 from the right wing just feet from his mother, Wanda, seated courtside. INJURY UPDATE: Warriors: F Kevin Durant (L calf strain) was listed as questionable and upgraded to available prior to tipoff.

Trump's plan for tax cuts takes whack at New Yorkers
White House officials said Wednesday afternoon that they hope to cut the top corporate tax rate to 15 percent from 35 percent. The plan would aid lower- and middle-class families by cutting individual tax rates and doubling the standard deduction .